Derbyshire Redcap

History

The Redcap originated in the Derbyshire and Pennine area of England and is one of our oldest dual-purpose utility breeds. They are an absolutely typical barnyard fowl and are thought to have been developed from a variety of breeds including the Hamburg and Old English Pheasant Fowl. The name comes from its exceptional rose comb, which is approximately 3Ã‚Â¼ inches long and 2Ã‚Â¾ inches wide and is crowned with many points and a very long spike. The young cocks don't develop the comb in its most spectacular form until they reach around 3 years of age. They have red earlobes and the cockerels plumage is deep red to black with dark orange neck and saddle hackles. The tail feathers are black and the legs are a blueish grey while the eyes are red. The female has a beautiful red brown plumage and each body feather ends in a black spangle. Their combs are around half the size of the males. They make good table birds with an excellent gamey flavour and the hens also lay around 150-200 large white eggs per year. They are comparatively rare these days but still have a following in the Derbyshire area.

Behaviour

They are hardy birds and are not good sitters. They are at their happiest free ranging as they are terrific foragers and good fliers so require a lot of space. They have good longevity and will continue to lay for a good many years. Chicks are vigorous and are actually bright yellow with a little black on their heads when they are born and develop their darker plumage as they reach adulthood. A hen can weigh a good 5-5Ã‚Â½ lbs while cocks can reach 6-6Ã‚Â½lbs in weight.

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Latest Reviews For Derbyshire Redcap (2 of 2)

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great egg producers
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Louise,
31 August 2013

Would agree with previous reviewer that these birds are not suitable for keeping in a small run. Ours are in a large netted enclosure however in a field and seem perfectly happy, so completely free-range not essential. Absolutely brillant egg producers - far better than the light sussex, warrens and cream legbars we also have. Intelligent birds who are extremely attractive to look at and a rare breed.

Good free range bird
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Tony,
18 February 2012

Derbyshire red caps are first rate free range birds, very hardy, good layers and good to look at. The eggs are white medium in size and with a rich flavour. They prefer to range freely not confined to a small space so not the best breed for a garden situation. So to sum up not a breed for owners who have limited space but an ideal breed.for people with room to spare.